PIONEERING LEADERSHIP

“For I know him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him…” – Genesis 18:19a

Abraham stands in the Bible as an Epitome of PIONEERING LEADERSHIP: “For I know him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has spoken” (Gen.18:19). Abraham learned that following God doesn’t have to be complicated. Neglecting to follow God is what complicates and destroys a life. His willingness to walk with God confirmed this as the way to be truly blessed. He displayed courage to step out in faith, despite uncertainty. Here are a few lessons to learn from him:

Abraham’s pioneering leadership was marked by faith and obedience – his trust in God’s promises and his willingness to follow God’s call, even when it meant leaving his homeland to become a pioneer in a new land: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.…So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him…” (Gen.12:1-4a). As the Pioneer of the Faith, at the age of 75 he left everything that was familiar to him and started over! He showed great trust in God by moving into uncharted territory with only one guarantee in hand, that God would be with him.

Abraham was genuinely unselfish; a very rich man, but he acknowledged his Source. His heart was right before God, offering Canaan’s choicest land to relatives; others came first. He had a servant’s heart, following Christ’s example of serving others (Mt.19:30; 20:16; Mk.9:35). Abraham exemplified hospitality by welcoming strangers and showing kindness (Gen.18:1-15)

Abraham was willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others. After Lot had moved to Sodom, a rebellion arose against the kings of the region. When Abraham heard that Lot was in trouble, he could have reacted with indifference, but he engaged the kings of the land, won victory over the enemies and refused to accept one thing for his efforts (Gen.14:14-24). He acted out of pure motives: “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth” (Gen.14:22).  This allowed him not to be tempted with the spoils of Sodom, and to stay true to his commitment to God.

Abraham’s faith was credited as righteousness, depicting his trust in God’s promises: “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Gen.15:6). His willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, confirmed his unwavering obedience to God (Gen.22: 1-18). Abraham’s leadership was also marked by courage and hospitality.

Ultimately, Abraham's faith and pioneering spirit shine forth as he looked forward to the city of God (Heb.11: 8-10; 17-19). His pioneering leadership paved the way for future generations, and his legacy continues to inspire and impact believers today.